U.S. patent application number 16/674846 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-06 for agitators, storage vessel assemblies, and methods of agitating dry particulates within storage vessel assemblies.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kidde Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Aaron Stanley Rogers.
Application Number | 20210129095 16/674846 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004479954 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210129095 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rogers; Aaron Stanley |
May 6, 2021 |
AGITATORS, STORAGE VESSEL ASSEMBLIES, AND METHODS OF AGITATING DRY
PARTICULATES WITHIN STORAGE VESSEL ASSEMBLIES
Abstract
An agitator for disposition within a cavity of a vessel body
containing a particulate includes a weighted portion and a stirring
portion. The agitator is positioned and disposed relative to the
vessel body to move the stirring portion through the particulate in
response to movement of the weighted portion in response to
gravitational and/or inertial forces acting on the weighted portion
due to movement of the vessel body. Particulate storage vessel
arrangements and methods of particulate mixing are also
described.
Inventors: |
Rogers; Aaron Stanley; (Surf
City, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kidde Technologies, Inc. |
Wilson |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004479954 |
Appl. No.: |
16/674846 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A62C 13/76 20130101;
A62C 13/006 20130101; B01F 15/00506 20130101; B01F 13/0022
20130101; B01F 13/005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B01F 13/00 20060101
B01F013/00; A62C 13/76 20060101 A62C013/76; A62C 13/00 20060101
A62C013/00; B01F 15/00 20060101 B01F015/00 |
Claims
1. An agitator for disposition within a cavity of a vessel body
containing a particulate, comprising: a weighted portion and a
stirring portion, the agitator being positioned and configured
relative to the vessel body to move the stirring portion through
the particulate in response to movement of the weighted portion in
response to gravitational and/or inertial forces acting on the
weighted portion due to movement of the vessel body.
2. The agitator as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a rod
member defining an axis; wherein the weighted portion includes a
tine member extending radially from the axis and having a base
portion and a tip portion, the base portion connecting the tip
portion with the rod member; and wherein the weighted portion
includes a flip member having a rod portion and a weighted ball
portion, the rod portion connecting the weighted ball portion with
the rod member at a location radially offset from the tip portion
of the tine member to flip the agitator end-over-end responsive to
force applied to the weighted ball portion of the flip member.
3. The agitator of claim 2, wherein the rod member connects the
tine member to the flip member, the flip member axially offset from
the tine member.
4. The agitator of claim 2, wherein the rod member is a first rod
member and further comprising at least one second rod member, the
second rod member arranged along the axis and connected to the
first rod member by the tine member.
5. The agitator of claim 2, wherein the tine member is a first tine
member and further comprising a second tine member, the second tine
member connected to the rod member.
6. The agitator of claim 5, wherein the second tine member is
coplanar with the first tine member.
7. The agitator of claim 5, wherein the second tine member is
arranged in a plane orthogonal relative to the first tine
member.
8. The agitator of claim 2, wherein the flip member is a first flip
member and further comprising a second flip member connected to the
rod member.
9. The agitator of claim 8, wherein the first flip member and the
tine member are arranged in a common plane, and wherein the second
flip member is offset from the first flip member 90-degrees or
180-degrees.
10. The agitator of claim 8, wherein the first flip member and the
second flip member are arranged on an axially common side of the
tine member.
11. The agitator of claim 8, wherein the first flip member and the
second flip member are arranged on axially opposite sides of the
tine member.
12. The agitator of claim 1, wherein the flip member is one of a
plurality of flip members, wherein the plurality of flip members
are evenly distributed between axially opposite ends of the
agitator, wherein the plurality of flip members are evenly
distributed about the axis, and wherein the plurality of flip
members are unevenly distributed about the axis at the axially
opposite ends of the agitator.
13. The agitator of claim 1, wherein the agitator is formed from a
polymeric or a metallic material.
14. The agitator of claim 1, wherein the rod member is one of a
plurality of rod members axially spaced from one another along the
axis, wherein the tine member is one of a plurality of tine members
connected to the rod members, and wherein the flip member is one of
a plurality of flip members circumferentially offset from one
another about the axis.
15. A particulate storage vessel arrangement, comprising: a vessel
body defining a cavity; and an agitator disposed within the cavity
having a weighted portion and a stirring portion, the agitator
being positioned and configured relative to the vessel body to move
the stirring portion through the particulate in response to
movement of the weighted portion in response to gravitational
and/or inertial forces acting on the weighted portion due to
movement of the vessel body.
16. The particulate storage vessel arrangement of claim 15, wherein
the agitator is supported within the vessel body in a metastable
support arrangement, wherein the agitator is formed from a
polymeric or a metallic material, and further comprising a fire
suppressant dry particulate disposed within the in the cavity of
the vessel body and in mechanical communication with the
agitator.
17. A method of agitating a particulate within a vessel,
comprising: moving the vessel; altering inertial and/or
gravitational forces on an agitator positioned within the vessel,
the agitator having a weighted portion attached to a stirring
portion; moving the weighted portion with the altering of inertial
and/or gravitational forces; and moving the stirring portion
through the particulate in response to the moving of the weighted
portion.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the weighted portion includes a
flip member having a weighted ball portion; wherein moving the
weighted portion includes exerting force against the weighted ball
portion of the flip member; and wherein moving the stirring portion
includes flipping and/or spinning the agitator end-over-end with
the force exerted on the weighted ball portion of the flip
member.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein exerting the force against the
weighted ball portion of the member includes flowing a charging
flow of fire suppressant dry particulate across the weighted ball
portion to exert the force on the agitator; the method further
comprising mixing the fire suppressant dry particulate with the
tine member during the flipping and/or spinning of the agitator; or
wherein exerting the force against the weighted ball portion of the
member includes flowing a discharge flow of fire suppressant dry
particulate across the weighted ball portion to exert the force on
the agitator; the method further comprising mixing the fire
suppressant dry particulate with the tine member during the
flipping and/or spinning of the agitator.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein a fire suppressant dry
particulate is in mechanical communication with the agitator, the
method further comprising vibrating the agitator to exert the force
on the agitator; and mixing the fire suppressant dry particulate
with the tine member during the flipping and/or spinning of the
agitator.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure is generally related to dry
particulate storage, and more particularly to maintaining mobility
of dry particulates contained within storage vessels such as in
fire suppression systems on aircraft.
[0002] Dry particulate, such as fire suppressant chemicals, are
commonly stored with the confines of storage vessels until required
or the storage vessel serviced. When required the dry particulate
is generally conveyed out of the storage vessel by a motive gas
flow, which carries the particulate out of the storage vessel and
into the environment external of the storage vessel. The amount of
motive gas required to carry the dry particulate from the storage
vessel typically corresponds to the ability of the motive gas to
fluidize the dry particulate, with packed dry particulates tending
to resist fluidization by the motive gas and loose dry particulates
tending to more readily fluidize with the motive gas.
[0003] In some storage vessels dry particulate can pack within the
storage vessel. For example, some dry particulates can pack against
the interior surface of the storage vessel during charging as the
gas drives the dry particulate into the storage vessel. Some dry
particulates can also settle over time due to the effects of
gravity. Contaminants within the storage vessel, such as moisture,
can also cause some dry particulates to pack within the storage
vessel. For these reasons some storage vessels such as fire
suppression cylinders require cyclic inspection, cyclic
refurbishment, periodic replacement, and/or mechanized or motorized
mixing elements requiring external power to ensure availability of
the system employing the storage vessel.
[0004] Such systems and methods have generally been acceptable for
their intended purpose. However, there remains a need in the art
for improved agitators, pressure vessel assemblies having
agitators, and methods of mixing dry particulates inhabiting
pressure vessels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0005] An agitator is provided. The agitator includes a rod member
defining an axis, a tine member, and a flip member. The tine member
extends radially from the axis and has a base portion and a tip
portion, the base portion connecting the tip portion to the rod
member. The flip member has a rod portion and a weighted ball
portion, the rod portion connecting the weighted ball portion with
the rod member at a location radially offset from the tip portion
of the tine member to flip the agitator end over end responsive to
force applied to the weighted ball portion of the flip member.
[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments of the agitator may
include that the rod member connects the tine member to the flip
member, the flip member axially offset from the tine member.
[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments of the agitator may
include that the rod member is a first rod member and further
comprising at least one second rod member, the second rod member
arranged along the axis and connected to the first rod member by
the tine member.
[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments of the agitator may
include that the tine member is a first tine member and that the
agitator additionally includes a second tine member, the second
tine member connected to the rod member.
[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments of the agitator may
include that the second tine member is coplanar with the first tine
member.
[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments of the agitator may
include that the second tine member is arranged in a plane
orthogonal relative to the first tine member.
[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments of the agitator may
include that the flip member is a first flip member and that the
agitator additionally includes a second flip member connected to
the rod member.
[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments of the agitator may
include that the first flip member and the tine member are arranged
in a common plane.
[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments of the agitator may
include that the second flip member is offset from the first flip
member 90-degrees or 180-degrees.
[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments of the agitator may
include that the first flip member and the second flip member are
arranged on an axially common side of the tine member.
[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments of the agitator may
include that the first flip member and the second flip member are
arranged on axially opposite sides of the tine member.
[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments of the agitator may
include that the flip member is one of a two or more of flip
members, that the two or more flip members evenly distributed
between axially opposite ends of the agitator, that the two or more
flip members are evenly distributed about the axis, and that the
two or more flip members are unevenly distributed about the axis at
the axially opposite ends of the agitator.
[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments of the agitator may
include that the agitator is formed from a polymeric or a metallic
material.
[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments of the agitator may
include that the rod member is one of two or more rod members
axially spaced from one another along the axis, that the tine
member is one of two or more tine members connected to the rod
members, and that the flip member is one of two or more flip
members circumferentially offset from one another about the
axis.
[0019] A particulate storage vessel arrangement is also provided.
The storage vessel includes a vessel body with a wall bounding a
cavity of the vessel body and an agitator as described above. The
agitator is disposed within the cavity of the vessel body in a
metastable support arrangement and the wall of the vessel body
defines a movement envelope of the agitator.
[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments of the particulate
storage vessel arrangement may include a fire suppressant dry
particulate disposed within the in the cavity of the vessel body
and in mechanical communication with the agitator, the agitator
formed from a polymeric or a metallic material that cooperates with
the weighted ball portion to limit damage to the wall of the vessel
body and within the movement envelope of the agitator.
[0021] A method of agitating a dry particulate is additionally
provided. The method includes, at an agitator as described above,
exerting force against the weighted ball portion of the flip
member, and flipping and/or spinning the agitator end-over-end with
the force exerted on the weighted ball portion of the flip
member.
[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include
that exerting the force against the weighted ball portion of the
member entails flowing a charging flow of fire suppressant dry
particulate across the weighted ball portion to exert the force on
the agitator; the method further including mixing the fire
suppressant dry particulate with the tine member during the
flipping and/or spinning of the agitator.
[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include
that exerting the force against the weighted ball portion of the
member includes flowing a discharge flow of fire suppressant dry
particulate across the weighted ball portion to exert the force on
the agitator; the method further including mixing the fire
suppressant dry particulate with the tine member during the
flipping and/or spinning of the agitator.
[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described above,
or as an alternative, further embodiments of the method may include
that a fire suppressant dry particulate is in mechanical
communication with the agitator, the method further including
vibrating the agitator to exert the force on the agitator and
mixing the fire suppressant dry particulate with the tine member
during the flipping and/or spinning of the agitator.
[0025] Technical effects of the present disclosure include the
capability to agitate dry particulates within pressure vessels. In
certain examples technical effects of the present disclosure
include enabling a dry particulate contained within a sealed
storage vessel to be passively mixed, such as by vibrational forces
consequential to the pressure vessel being carried by a vehicle. In
accordance with certain examples technical effects of the present
disclosure include enabling the dry particulate to be mixed, via
internal agitation, collateral with introduction into the pressure
vessel. It is also contemplated that, in certain examples, that the
present disclosure provide dry particulate mixing, via internal
agitation, collateral with discharge of the dry particulate from
the pressure vessel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting
in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like
elements are numbered alike:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-section side view of a
particulate storage vessel arrangement constructed in accordance
with the present disclosure, showing an agitator contained within a
particulate storage vessel arrangement and the particulate storage
vessel arrangement carried by a vehicle-born fire suppression
system;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the agitator of FIG. 1
according to an example, showing a plurality of flip members with
weighted ball portions connected to a plurality of tine members by
a plurality of rod members;
[0029] FIGS. 3-5 are schematic cross-sectional side views of the
particulate storage vessel arrangement of FIG. 1, showing the
agitator flipping end-over-end and rotating about multiple axes
during charging of the particulate storage vessel arrangement,
discharging of the particulate storage vessel arrangement, and in
response to movement and vibration of the particulate storage
vessel arrangement, respectively; and
[0030] FIG. 6 is process flow diagram of a method of agitating a
dry particulate contained within the cavity of a particulate
storage vessel arrangement, showing operations of the method
according to an illustrative and non-limiting example of the
method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like
reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects
of the subject disclosure. For purposes of explanation and
illustration, and not limitation, a partial view of an example
implementation of an agitator constructed in accordance with the
disclosure is shown in FIG. 1 and is designated generally by
reference character 100. Other embodiments of agitators, storage
vessels having agitators, and methods of agitating dry particulate
contained within storage vessels in accordance with the present
disclosure, or aspects thereof, are provided in FIGS. 2-6, as will
be described. The systems and methods described herein can be used
for agitating dry particulate contained within storage vessels,
such as dry fire suppressant chemical mixtures in vehicle-borne
fire suppressant systems, though the present disclosure is not
limited to fire-suppressant systems or to vehicle-borne fire
suppression systems in general.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle 10, e.g., an aircraft, is
shown. The vehicle 10 includes a fire suppression system 12 having
a particulate storage vessel arrangement 102. In the illustrated
example the particulate storage vessel arrangement 102 is a
pressure vessel assembly and includes a vessel body 104, the
agitator 100, and a valve 106. The vessel body 104 includes a wall
108 and has a boss 110. The wall 108 bounds a cavity 112 of the
vessel body 104. The boss 110 extends from the vessel body 104 and
defines a port 138. The port 138 is in communication with the
cavity 112 of the vessel body 104 and seats therein the valve
106.
[0033] The valve 106 provides selective fluid communication between
the environment 14 external to the particulate storage vessel
arrangement 102. In this respect the valve 106 provides fluid
communication between the external environment, e.g., a source of
fire suppressant dry particulate 16 and/or a source of a motive gas
18, for charging the particulate storage vessel arrangement 102
(shown in FIG. 4). It is also contemplated that the valve 106 has
an actuated state for issuing the fire suppressant dry particulate
16 in cooperation with the motive gas 18 during discharge of the
particulate storage vessel arrangement 102 (shown in FIG. 5). The
valve 106 also provides sealing (e.g., hermetic sealing) of the
cavity 112 from the external environment 14 between charging and
discharging of the particulate storage vessel arrangement 102
(shown in FIG. 5).
[0034] The fire suppressant dry particulate 16 and the agitator 100
are contained within the cavity 112 of the vessel body 104. In this
respect both the fire suppressant dry particulate 16 and the
agitator 100 freely disposed within the cavity 112 of the vessel
body 104, the cavity 112 of the vessel body 104 defining a movement
envelop of the agitator 100. In certain examples the fire
suppressant dry particulate 14 includes a singular fire suppressant
chemical. In accordance with certain examples the fire suppressant
dry particulate 16 includes a mixture of compositions, e.g., one or
more a fire suppressant chemical dry particulate mixed with a
fluidizer dry particulate to facilitate issue of the one or more
fire suppressant dry particulate through the valve 106. Examples of
suitable fire suppressant dry particulates include mono-ammonium
phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium bicarbonate. It is
also contemplated that, in accordance with certain examples, that
the motive gas 18 contained within the cavity 112 of the vessel
body 104 be in communication with the fire suppressant dry
particulate 16 for issuing the fire suppressant dry particulate 16
from the vessel body 104. Examples of suitable motive gases include
nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
[0035] As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art in view
of the present disclosure, dry particulates contained within
storage vessels such as the fire suppressant dry particulate 16
contained within the vessel body 104 can be subject to
packing--potentially limiting the reliability of such fire
suppression assemblies. For example, introduction of fire
suppressant dry particulates into some storage vessel bodies can
cause the fire suppressant dry particulate to pack against cavity
surfaces the vessel body. Further, fire suppressant dry
particulates in some storage vessel bodies can also settle and pack
progressively over time within the cavity of the vessel body over
time, e.g., by operation of gravity. Fire suppressant dry
particulates can also pack as a result of contaminants present
within the storage vessel containing the particulate, such as from
moisture infiltration through the particulate storage vessel
arrangement valve and/or from residual oil remaining in the storage
vessel and/or value from the manufacturing process. To limit (or
eliminate entirely) packing of the fire suppressant dry particulate
14 the agitator 100 is supported within the cavity 112 of the
vessel body 104 in a metastable support arrangement 114, i.e., an
arrangement wherein the agitator moves responsive to the
application of relatively small amounts of force, the metastable
support arrangement 114 causing the agitator 100 to mix the fire
suppressant dry particulate 14 in mechanical communication with the
agitator 100.
[0036] With reference to FIG. 2, the agitator 100 is shown. The
agitator 100 is arranged for disposition within the cavity 112
(shown in FIG. 1) of the vessel body 104 (shown in FIG. 1)
containing a particulate, e.g., the dry particulate 16 (shown in
FIG. 1), and includes a weighted portion 130A and a stirring
portion 120A. It is contemplated that the agitator 100 be
positioned and disposed relative to the vessel body 104 to move the
stirring portion 120A through the particulate 16 in response to
movement of the weighted portion 130A in response to gravitational
and/or inertial forces, e.g., a force 24, acting on the weighted
portion 130A due to movement of the vessel body 104.
[0037] In the illustrated example the agitator 100 includes a rod
member 116A defining an axis 118, a tine member 120A, and a flip
member 122A. The tine member 120A extends radially from the axis
118 and has a base portion 124A and a tip portion 126A, the base
portion 124A connecting the tip portion 124A to the rod member
116A. The flip member 122A has a rod portion 128A and a weighted
ball portion 130A, the rod portion 128A connecting the weighted
ball portion 130A with the rod member 116A at a location radially
offset from the tip portion 124A of the tine member 120A to flip 20
(shown in FIG. 3) and/or spin 22 (shown in FIG. 3) the agitator 100
end-over-end responsive to the force 24 applied to the weighted
ball portion 130A of the flip member 122A. It is contemplated that
the agitator 100 be formed from a polymeric or a metallic material
132 (shown in FIG. 1). In accordance with certain examples the
polymeric or the metallic material 132 that cooperates with the
weighted ball portion 130A of the agitator 100 to limit damage to a
cavity surface of the vessel body 104 and within the movement
envelope of the agitator 100 defined within the cavity of the
storage vessel 104.
[0038] The rod member 116A member connects the tine member 120A to
the flip member 122A. In the illustrated example the rod member
116A is a first rod member 116A and the agitator includes a
plurality of rod members, e.g., a second rod member 116B, a third
rod member 116C, a fourth rod member 116D, and a fifth rod member
E.
[0039] Each of the plurality of rod members are arranged along the
axis 118, the second rod member 116B axially spaced from the first
rod member 116A, the third rod member 116C axially spaced from the
second rod member 116B, the fourth rod member 116D axially spaced
from the third rod member 116C, and the fifth rod member 116E
axially spaced from the fourth rod member 116D. Although a specific
number of rod members are shown in the illustrated example, i.e.,
five (5) rod members, it is to be understood and appreciated that
other implementations of the agitator 100 can have fewer than five
(5) rod members or more than five (5) rod members.
[0040] The tine member 120A is arranged for displacing a portion of
the fire suppressant dry particulate 14 (shown in FIG. 1) during
the flip 20 (shown in FIG. 3) and/or the spin 22 (shown in FIG. 3)
of the agitator 100. In the illustrated example the agitator 100
includes a plurality of tine members, e.g., the first tine member
120A, a second tine member 120B, a third tine member 120C, a fourth
tine member 120D, a fifth tine member 120E, a sixth tine member
120F, a seventh tine member 120G, and an eighth tine member
120H.
[0041] One or more of the plurality of tine members is coplanar
with and is arranged in a first plane 26 with first tine member
120A, e.g., the second tine member 120B, the third tine member
120C, and the fourth tine member 120D. One or more of the plurality
of tine members is arranged in a second plane 28 orthogonal with
the first tine member 120B, e.g., the fifth tine member 120E, the
sixth tine member 120F, the seventh tine member 120G, and the
eighth tine member 120H. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the tine
members are distributed asymmetrically about the axis 118, which
allows mixing the fire suppressant dry particulate 16 (shown in
FIG. 1) while limiting stability of the agitator 100. Although a
specific number of tine members are shown in the illustrated
example, i.e., eight (8) tine members, it is to be understood and
appreciated that other implementations of the agitator 100 can have
fewer than eight (8) tine members or more than eight (8) tine
members. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art in
view of the present disclosure, the number of tine members included
by the agitator is selected such that sufficient mixing occurs but
not some many as to cause the agitation to rest within the vessel
body. As will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art in
view of the present disclosure, certain types of dry particulates
may require agitators having a number of tine members differing
from agitators employed with other types of dry particulates.
[0042] The flip member 122A is arranged on an end of the agitator
100 and includes the weighted ball portion 130A and the rod portion
128A. In certain examples the weighted ball portion 130A is
spherical, which reduces (or eliminates entirely) likelihood of
damage to the cavity surface of the wall 108 (shown in FIG. 1) of
the vessel body 104 (shown in FIG. 1) otherwise attendant with the
flip 20 (shown in FIG. 3) and/or the spin 22 (shown in FIG. 3) of
the agitator 100. In accordance with certain embodiments the flip
member 122A has a radial length that is greater the tine member
120A, limiting the magnitude of force 24 (shown in FIG. 3) required
to flip and/or spin 22 (shown in FIG. 3) the agitator 100 due to
the associated cantilever arrangement of the weighted ball portion
130A.
[0043] In the illustrated example the flip member 122A is a first
flip member 122A and agitator 100 includes a second flip member
122B, a third flip member 122C, and a fourth flip member 122D. The
first flip member 122A and the second flip member 122B are both
connected to the first rod member 116A. In this respect the first
rod member 122A and the second rod member 122B are both arranged on
an axially common first end 124 of the agitator 100 and the first
rod member 116A couples the first flip member 122A and the second
flip member 122B to the third flip member 122C and the fourth flip
member 122D, e.g., through the other(s) of the plurality of rod
members. Although a specific number of flip members are shown in
the illustrated example, i.e., four (4) flip members, it is to be
understood and appreciated that other implementations of the
agitator 100 can have fewer than four (4) flip members or more than
four (4) flip members. Advantageously, providing an orthogonal
system having six (6) planes allows the system to be balanced when
equal forces are exerted on the system in three (3) planes. The
forces are asymmetric and in a different number of planes, then the
system will be inherently unstable and seek to move until it can
achieve a static rest condition, which can never be achieved by the
nature of its construction.
[0044] The first flip member 122A is arranged in a common plane,
e.g., the first plane 26, with the first tine member 120A. More
specifically, the first flip member 122A, and none of the other of
the plurality of flip members, is arranged in the first plane 26.
In this respect the second flip member 122B is offset
circumferentially about the axis 118 from the first flip member
122A by 90-degrees, the third flip member 122C is circumferentially
offset about the axis 118 by 90-degrees, and fourth flip member
122D is offset circumferentially from the first flip member by
180-degrees. Offset each of the plurality of flip members by
90-degrees or 180-degrees from one of the plurality of flip members
limits the stability of the agitator 100, reducing magnitude of the
force 24 (shown in FIG. 3) required for the flip 20 (shown in FIG.
3) and/or the spin 22 (shown in FIG. 3) the agitator 100.
[0045] As also shown in FIG. 2, the first flip member 122A and the
second flip member 122B are arranged on an axially common side 134
of the tine member 120A, and the third flip member 122C and the
fourth flip member 122D are arranged axially on an opposite side
136 of the tine member 120A. Arranging the plurality of tine
members on axially opposite sides of the agitator further limits
the stability of the agitator 100, reducing magnitude of the force
24 (shown in FIG. 3) required to flip and/or spin 22 (shown in FIG.
3) the agitator 100. In certain examples the plurality of flip
members is evenly distributed between axially opposite ends of the
agitator 100, the plurality of flip members is evenly distributed
about the axis 118 of the agitator 100, and the plurality of flip
members are unevenly distributed about the axis 118 of the agitator
100 at the axially opposite ends of the agitator 100. Without being
bound by a particulate theory applicant believes that this
arrangement provide the metastable support arrangement 114
sufficient to limit the force 24 (shown in FIG. 3) required for the
flip 20 (shown in FIG. 3) and/or the spin 22 (shown in FIG. 3) of
the agitator to provide mixing in response to low-frequency
vibration found in vehicles, e.g., the vehicle 10.
[0046] With reference to FIGS. 3-5, the particulate storage vessel
arrangement 102 is shown during charging (FIG. 3), discharge (FIG.
4), and responding to movement and/or vibration (FIG. 5). As shown
in FIG. 3, cooperation of the metastable support arrangement 114
(shown in FIG. 1) and the force 24 (shown in FIG. 2) associated
with charging the particulate storage vessel arrangement 102 with a
charging flow of the fire suppressant dry particulate causes the
agitator 100 to flip 20 and/or spin 22 within the cavity 112 of the
vessel body 104. This mixes the fire suppressant particulate 16 and
prevents the load associated with the motive gas 18 from packing
the fire suppressant dry particulate 16 against cavity surfaces of
the vessel body 104.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, cooperation of the metastable support
arrangement 114 (shown in FIG. 1) and the force 24 (shown in FIG.
2) associated with discharge the particulate storage vessel
arrangement 102 with a discharge flow of fire suppressant dry
particulate causes the agitator 100 to flip 20 and/or spin 22
within the cavity 112 of the vessel body 104. This mixes the fire
suppressant particulate 16 during discharge events by preventing
packed fire suppressant dry particulate 16 from occluding the valve
106 (shown in FIG. 1).
[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, cooperation of the metastable support
arrangement 114 (shown in FIG. 1) and the force 24 (shown in FIG.
2) associated with movement and/or vibration 30 communicated to the
particulate storage vessel arrangement 102, e.g., by the vehicle 10
(shown in FIG. 1), cause the agitator 100 to flip 20 and/or spin 22
within the cavity 112 of the vessel body 104. This mixes the fire
suppressant particulate 16 between charging events (e.g., as shown
in FIG. 3) and discharge events (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4).
[0049] With reference to FIG. 6, a method 200 of agitating dry
particulate contained within a storage vessel, e.g., the fire
suppressant dry particulate 14 (shown in FIG. 1) contained within
the vessel body 104 (shown in FIG. 1), is shown. The method 200
generally includes moving the vessel body; altering inertial and/or
gravitational forces on an agitator, e.g., the agitator 100 (shown
in FIG. 1) positioned within the vessel, the agitator having a
weighted portion attached to a stirring portion; moving the
weighted portion with the altering of inertial and/or gravitational
forces; and moving the stirring portion through the particulate in
response to the moving of the weighted portion. It is contemplated
that these operations occur during one or more of mixing the fire
suppressant dry particulate during charging of the storage vessel,
as shown with bracket 210; mixing the fire suppressant dry
particulate during between charging and discharging of the fire
suppressant dry particulate, as shown with bracket 220; and/or
includes mixing the fire suppressant dry particulate during
discharging of the storage vessel, as shown with bracket 230.
[0050] As shown with box 212, charging the storage vessel with the
fire suppressant dry particulate includes flowing a charging flow
of motive gas, e.g., the motive gas 18, and fire suppressant dry
particulate into the storage vessel. The charging flow exerts force
against the weighted ball portion of the flip member, e.g., the
force 24 (shown in FIG. 2) against the weighted ball portion 130
(shown in FIG. 2) of the flip member 122 (shown in FIG. 2), as
shown with box 214. The force flips the agitator end-over-end,
e.g., the flip 20 (shown in FIG. 3) or the spin 22 (shown in FIG.
3) of the agitator 100 (shown in FIG. 1), as shown with box 216. As
the agitator flips end-over-end a tine member of the agitator,
e.g., the tine member 120 (shown in FIG. 2), mixes the fire
suppressant dry particulate, as shown with box 218. Mixing (or
agitating) the fire suppressant dry particulate during charging of
the storage vessel allows the fire suppressant dry particulate to
issue relatively freely from the valve 106 (shown in FIG. 1 in
comparison to packed dry particulate of identical composition),
limiting the amount of motive gas required per unit mass of fire
suppressant dry particulate
[0051] As shown with box 222, vibrating (and/or moving) the storage
vessel also mixes the fire suppressant dry particulate contained
within the storage vessel. In this respect vibrating and/or moving
the storage vessel exerts force against the weighted ball portion
of the flip member, e.g., the force 24 (shown in FIG. 2) against
the weighted ball portion 130 (shown in FIG. 2) of the flip member
122 (shown in FIG. 2), as shown with box 224. The force flips the
agitator end-over-end, e.g., the flip 20 (shown in FIG. 3) or the
spin 22 (shown in FIG. 3) of the agitator 100 (shown in FIG. 1), as
shown with box 226. As the agitator flips end-over-end a tine
member of the agitator, e.g., the tine member 120 (shown in FIG.
2), mixes the fire suppressant dry particulate, as shown with box
228. Mixing (or agitating) the fire suppressant dry particulate
using vibration and/movement of the storage vessel allows the fire
suppressant dry particulate to issue freely from the valve 106
(shown in FIG. 1) in comparison to packed dry particulate of
identical composition, limiting the amount of motive gas required
per unit mass of fire suppressant dry particulate.
[0052] As shown with box 232, discharging the storage vessel also
mixes the fire suppressant dry particulate contained within the
storage vessel. Specifically, upon actuation a discharge flow of
motive gas and fire suppressant dry particulate flows across the
weighted ball portion of the flip member, e.g., the force 24 (shown
in FIG. 2) against the weighted ball portion 130 (shown in FIG. 2)
of the flip member 122 (shown in FIG. 2), as shown with box 234.
The force flips the agitator end-over-end, e.g., the flip 20 (shown
in FIG. 3) or the spin 22 (shown in FIG. 3) of the agitator 100
(shown in FIG. 1), as shown with box 236. As the agitator flips
end-over-end a tine member of the agitator, e.g., the tine member
120 (shown in FIG. 2), mixes the fire suppressant dry particulate,
as shown with box 238. Mixing (or agitating) the fire suppressant
dry particulate during discharge of the storage vessel allows the
fire suppressant dry particulate to issue relatively freely from
the valve 106 (shown in FIG. 1 in comparison to packed dry
particulate of identical composition), limiting the amount of
motive gas required per unit mass of fire suppressant dry
particulate.
[0053] Dry particulates, such as fire suppressant dry particulates
contained within fire suppression cylinders, can experience
compacting during filling and settling of the dry particulate over
time. Specifically, if the storage vessel is not regulated then
there can be compacting of the dry particulate due to the force
loads associated with driving the dry particulate against the wall
of the storage vessel opposite the inlet port of the storage
vessel. Further, settling can occur during the storage interval
between charging and discharging the storage vessel. While such
compaction can be managed in the case of fire suppression cylinders
subject to periodic inspection, such as by upending the storage
vessel and hand-tapping the storage vessel to dislodge compacted
dry particulate, such inspections require time and planning in
order to ensure reliability of the fire suppression cylinder.
[0054] In examples described here a multi-axis dry chemical mixer
device (agitator) is provided for support in a storage vessel in a
metastable arrangement. For example, in certain examples the
agitator has one or more flip member with a weighted ball portion,
one or more tine member, and one or more rod member. The one or
more weighted ball portion is connected to the one or more tine
member by the one or more rod portion such that, when force is
exerted against the weighted ball portions, the agitator flips
end-over-end. The end-over-end flip displaces the one or more tine
member, the one or more tine member in turn agitating dry lubricant
in mechanical communication with the one or more tine member.
[0055] In certain examples the force exerted on the one or more
weighted ball portion can be communicated during charging of the
storage vessel with dry lubricant. In this respect, during
charging, the agitator spins on its unstable axes within the
storage vessel (e.g., at the base of the storage vessel opposite
the storage vessel port) to prevent packing of the dry lubricant.
The spinning of the agitator limits (or prevents entirely) packing
of the dry lubricant against the cavity surface of the storage
vessel due to deceleration of the dry lubricant upon impacting the
cavity surface of the storage vessel.
[0056] In accordance with certain examples the force exerted on the
one or more weighted ball portion can be communicated during
discharging of dry lubricant from the storage vessel. For example,
during discharging, the agitator spins on its unstable axes the
agitator spins on its unstable axes within the storage vessel
(e.g., at proximate the storage vessel port). The spins prevent
blockage of the port and/or homogenization of the dry lubricant
issued from the port through mechanical communication between the
one or more tine member and dry lubricant communicated to the port
during discharging.
[0057] It is also contemplated that, in accordance with certain
embodiments, the agitator mixes the dry lubricant contained within
the storage vessel between charging and discharging of the storage
vessel. In this respect it is contemplated that force exerted on
the one or more weighted ball due to motion of the storage vessel,
e.g., due to movement and/or vibration associated with motion of a
vehicle carrying the storage vessel, move, rotate and/or spin the
agitator. The movement, rotation and/or spinning of the agitator
continuously mixes the dry lubricant responsive to the motion of
the vehicle due to mechanical communication of the dry lubricant
with the tine members--reducing (or eliminating entirely) the
tendency of the dry lubricant to compact over time.
[0058] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error
associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon
the equipment available at the time of filing the application.
[0059] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a",
"an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well,
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further
understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when
used in this specification, specify the presence of stated
features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components,
but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and/or
groups thereof
[0060] While the present disclosure has been described with
reference to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be
made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure
without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it
is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present
disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of
the claims.
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